USA: Christian Charity Group World Vision Will Employ Married Gay Workers

World Vision, the international Christian-based aid organization, on Monday made a surprise announcement on one of the most divisive social issues of the day, saying it will now employ Christians in the U.S. who are in legal same-sex marriages. The Federal Way-based humanitarian group delivered the news to employees in a letter from President Richard Stearns. Calling gay marriage one of the stormiest issues that has divided denominations, congregations and families, Stearns said leaders “wanted to prevent this divisive issue from tearing World Vision apart and potentially crippling our ability to accomplish our vital kingdom mission of loving and serving the poorest of the poor in the name of Christ.” The company said its employee-conduct policy has been updated to reflect the change, which comes more than a year after a majority of Washingtonians voted to legalize same-sex marriages, now legal in 17 states and the District of Columbia.